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Memorial Day Safety Tips to Follow

Memorial Day is a day for remembering the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. While we honor their sacrifice and celebrate over the long weekend, it is important to make sure safety comes first. Here are some helpful safety tips for those of you who plan to enjoy the water, fireworks, grill, or take a road trip:

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Firework Safety

If you’re planning to avoid the crowds at a public firework show by putting on your own, follow these tips from the ARC (American Red Cross) to keep you and your family safe:

Never give fireworks to small children.

Always follow the instructions given on the packaging.

For safety reasons, always keep a supply of water close by.

Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a “dud”.

Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials.

Drive Safely

With more people on the roads, it’s important to drive safely. Be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If plans include drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink. Other tips for a safe trip include:

Give one’s full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.

Use caution in work zones.

Make frequent stops.

Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night.

Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive the headlights.

Grill Safety

The American Red Cross offers these tips to stay safe while cooking those tasty cookout treats:

Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.

Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.

Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.

Keep the chef safe by using the long-handled tools specially made for cooking on the grill.

Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.

Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.

Trim excess fat from meat to avoid flare-ups.

Wash one’s hands in hot soapy water before preparing food, after touching raw meat and after any interruptions such as using the bathroom, handling pets, stopping to do something with children.

Another thing people can do is download the free Red Cross first aid app which puts expert advice for handling everyday emergencies right at your fingertips. The free app is available for direct download from the Apple or Google Play for Android app stores.